US Bridges

NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound

Fair

Carteret County, North Carolina · Cedar Island Ferry · Structure no. 000000000310100

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound in Carteret County, North Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the North Carolina average of 38.7 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 550 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,100 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNC12 Ferry
CrossesPamlico Sound
LocationCedar Island Ferry
RouteState Highway 12
CountyCarteret County
StateNorth Carolina
Coordinates35.01855, -76.31373
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.2 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2023)
Projected traffic1,100 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns NC12 Ferry over Pamlico Sound?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.